5 Characteristics of the Communication Superhero: How Do You Measure Up?

Superheroes are all around us.

Like comic-book characters on the big screen who protect fictional worlds against terrorism and crime: Robert Downey, Jr as Ironman in his suit of armor, or Linda Carter as Wonder Woman with her trademark bulletproof bracelets.

Like real life heroes who inspire us to be our best selves, achieve our goals, and give to others: Nick Vujicic, born with no arms and no legs, inspires people around the world to turn their seemingly overwhelming obstacles into opportunities, and inspires others to do the same every single day. (See a picture of Nick and me here.)

Am I a superhero? I like to think so…

You might not be able to see the invisible cape I wear, but it’s there. What’s my superpower? Sharing communication tools, techniques and strategies, and helping others build their communication competence and confidence. Why do I do it? So you can put on your invisible cape and go out into the world and create positive change through communication.

Are you a Communication Superhero?

According to Scott Weller, superheroes share similar characteristics. Are you ready to see how your communication skills measure up?

Selfless

Being selfless means having or showing more concern for other people and less concern for yourself. How can you be selfless in your communication? By consistently applying WIIFT – What’s In It For Them. Whether it is a presentation or a document, it’s important to tie your message into how your audience/reader can benefit from your core message, service or product.

Integrity

Having integrity means being honest and fair. You can achieve integrity in your communication by presenting the facts, identifying the risks, showing the benefits, and detailing the expected outcomes. Detailed source information, an audit trail, and other tools and techniques will promote transparency. For some professions like auditing, maintaining objectivity is a key requirement of the job. For others, subjectivity tempered by fairness will achieve the goal.

Courageous

Being courageous means being brave. This can be a daily occurrence when you are striving to become a more effective communicator. Because when you communicate, you put yourself and your core message out into the world for all to see (and critique).

Whether it’s a blog on LinkedIn, a video supporting your business on social media, a presentation to a foreign delegation at work, or providing your recommendations in a business report. Put your best foot forward by making sure you are well prepared, knowledgeable, and self-confident.

Responsible and accountable

These weighty words require you to step up, take action, and own the results of your actions. Being responsible and accountable in your communication means choosing your words wisely, so you can achieve the desired result. Being responsible and means sending the email, writing the report, giving the presentation, or hosting the meeting, no matter how much you would rather be at the dentist.

And it means being committed to growing and learning from each communication experience. You might learn you’ve got the message exactly right, that you still need to perfect it, or that you need to change your delivery. The good news is: You’re learning!

Humble

Being humble means being modest in behavior and attitude. We can apply this superhero trait to communication skills as well.

We communicate our messages using words, voice and body language. When those messages are congruent, we are perceived as being authentic. When our words contradict what our body ‘says’, those around us can usually sense it. It might be a gut reaction, or it might be your ‘Spidey-sense’ warning you. Regardless, trustworthiness, relationship building, and success can ride on whether you are being authentic.

What color is your cape?

So there you have it, the characteristics of a Communication Superhero. Use your communication skills to create positive change at work and in your life. If you need a helping hand stepping into the role, let me know. I’ll just grab my cape…

P.S. If your Communication Superhero skills are in auditing you’ll want to get your hands on my FREE webinar “Optimizing Your Audit Findings”. Get lightning-fast access and be on your way to persuading your stakeholders and writing reports that get results. What are you waiting for?

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